2010 Fritz Underground Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Mission Codename: The 70-30

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: In time for Summertime enjoyment, return to Fritz Underground Winery and procure the newest vintage of their delicious Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Fritz Underground Winery

Wine Subject: 2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Winemaker: Brad Longton

Backgrounder: We first discovered the Fritz Underground Winery in 2008. Back then, we were lucky to get our hands on an a small allotment of their spectacular wines. We now enjoy a special relationship with Fritz, who allows us special access to limited quantities of their wines.

The Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, produces Chardonnay (as well as Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel) of remarkable distinction. The cooler maritime conditions of the region make the RRV ideal for growing Burgundian varietals. This AVA was officially designated in 1983, but many of the wines in the region used the designation as early as the 1970s (early in California’s wine history) with the many of the vines having been first planted in the early 1900s.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Pale golden yellow with perfect clarity and perfectly even coloration, from core to the very edge. When swirled, tight clusters of thin, fast-moving tears form quickly and then move slowly to the wine below.

Smell – Medium to bold in intensity with aromatic white peach, mixed citrus, green apple and white flowers in the lead. After some swirling, the wine warms just slightly, revealing almond, white minerals, yeasty pastry crust and sauteed pear.

Feel – Smooth and very soft on entry, the wine glides quickly across the front-palate. When it lands at the mid, it takes on a more plush, gently gripply feel. Integrated tanins and a lively acidity combine to frame the bright fruit flavors.

Taste – Bright and very flavorful, this wine bursts with white pear, mixed citrus, green apple, white peach, soft white spice and chalky minerals. Once the wine warms, slightly, it reveals hints of almond, braised pear, and pastry dough.

Finish – Clean, lively, crisp and refreshing, this wine delivers plenty of long-lasting fruit. As the fruit flavors fade, soft white spice, white minerals and a hint of almond skin (yes, almond skin) persist for even longer.

Conclusion – Today’s 2010 Fritz Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a delicious wine that is bursting with flavor. Tender on the palate, with delicious fruits that lead to a long, intriguing finish, this wine is sheer joy to drink. We enjoyed our perfectly-chilled review bottles on a hot pre-summer afternoon. Each sip hit the spot and each sip became better than the last. We found that this wine really comes alive as it warms just slightly in the glass, revealing flavors and aromas that were not present on opening. Enjoy this very highty recommended Chardonnay with a roasted chicken – or all on its own.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Fritz Underground Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.